A DOMESTIC abuse campaigner whose two children died in a fire started by their father collected her MBE medal at Windsor Castle this week.

Claire Throssell, from Penistone, has been campaigning for a number of years to put an end to the presumption of contact which allows both parents in a separating couple access to their children, regardless if one has a history of domestic abuse.

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She began her campaign two years after the death of her two children, Jack and Paul, nine and 12 respectively, who died in a house fire in Penistone.

In the Queen’s New Year Honours in 2020, Claire was made an MBE for her tireless work - and she collected it from the Duke of Cambridge, Prince William, on Tuesday.

She told the Chronicle: “It’s been a long road to get to where I was and it was a fantastic day.

“I kept my head up for Jack and Paul and for everyone who has supported me - and Prince William was genuinely interested in the campaign.

“Fighting for these children gives me a purpose and it keeps me going.”